ALDERLEY Edge Hockey Club’s men’s first team climbed back towards the summit of North League Divison One with a fine 4-2 victory over second-placed City of York.

Alderley came into the game with only one point from their last five games and, despite suffering postponements due to the weather, they comprehensively defeated the York side.

Quick out of the blocks, Alderley dominated early exchanges and when Matt Hardy picked off a loose pass, he fed Sam Gregory who passed the ball on to his brother Ben, who scored with a first-time shot.

Alderley went 2–0 up when further pressure again caused a cheap turnover and Miles McGoun was given the chance to run at the last defender. He created space and fired in a shot that left the ‘keeper flat-footed.

York tried to break the Alderley backline, but created little and Alderley almost extended the lead but McGoun’s effort that hit the outside of the post was as close as they came.

The second half was harder fought with York upping their effort. Man-of-the-match Joe Bryant was in fine form and made several important tackles.

Danny Butterworth capped a fine game with a goal after bursting forward and firing home following neat work in the D from Gregory.

At 3-0 the game was all but over but to York’s credit they kept going and were rewarded with a neatly taken goal.

As York became more frantic, Alderley did well in keeping their composure, not something they are noted for, and when their opponents pushed forward, Alderley capitalised, James McPherson slapping home another to give Edge some breathing space.

There was time for a York consolation goal, but the points were Alderley’s after what was probably their most complete performance of the season.

The win puts Alderley just three points behind York, with a game in hand.